The Draft NSW Code of Practice: Inundation and Inrush hazard management is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act).

Clauses 22 and 23, and schedule 1 of the WHS (Mines) Regulations relating to inundation and inrush, along with the Health and Safety Act, are open for comment.

An inundation or inrush occurs when a liquid, gas or other substance that can flow enters a workplace at a rate, volume or concentration that creates an emergency situation and presents a risk to health and safety of mine workers.

In the Australian mining industry there have been at least nine fatal incidents resulting from inundation or inrush, with the loss of 19 lives.

Inundation and inrush hazard identification should take place at all stages of the mining process from resource evaluation, exploration, mining studies through the operational phases, and continuing to closure and rehabilitation of the operation.

The identification of inundation and inrush hazards should be carried out by a cross section of the workforce with the appropriate competencies.

The process should also include the consideration of relevant plans, files or other materials retained by adjoining mines or the regulator.

The WHS (Mines) Regulations require underground mine operators to provide certain information to operators of adjoining mines.

The provision can be used to obtain information relating to inundation and inrush from other operators.